WARWICK — The Warwick Valley Humane Society hosted its fourth annual candlelight vigil on Saturday evening, Aug. 17, at Railroad Green in the Village of Warwick.

In a departure from previous years, the event was a silent vigil but again held in honor of International Homeless Animals’ Day.

In 1992, the International Society for Animal Rights introduced Homeless Animals’ Day and candlelight vigils as an educational vehicle to inform society about a pet overpopulation problem that overwhelms animal shelters.

The Warwick Valley Humane Society was one of only two organizations throughout New York State to participate.

“The past three years our vigil included readings and speeches but we were preaching to the choir,” said Suzyn Barron, president of the Warwick Valley Humane Society. “Those in attendance already understand the plight of homeless animals and the need to spay and neuter to bring an end to constant overcrowded shelters and the misery of those who don’t make it to the safety of shelters. This year I wanted to use the impact of a silent vigil, which I hope will grow in years to come to reach those who still don’t get it. All anyone has to do is visit our shelter if seeing is believing.”

According to the Humane Society of the United States, as many as eight million homeless animals enter animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted; the other half is euthanized.

“We ask that our fellow residents consider adopting pets instead of buying them. We have approximately 200 adorable cats of all shapes and sizes for any type of family make-up or owner personality, and 60 dogs who are looking to be loyal companions,” said Barron. “Pets really do enhance our quality of life. There’s even evidence that having a pet lowers a person’s blood pressure. Please save a life, adopt a pet.”

Essential information

At the Animal Shelter, located just off King’s Highway, personnel collect a history of each pet and assess its health and temperament in order to make the best adoption matches possible.

Fees are usually much less than the purchase price of an animal from a pet store or breeder and all pets are vaccinated, de-wormed, and spayed or neutered.